Lose the Buns, Love the Burgers

If you’re Paleo you know wheat buns are a no-no. But who says a bun-less burger has to be boring?

whole30 compliant recipe markAs a new convert to the Paleo lifestyle, chances are you’re missing bread big time. I can sympathize…I had to wean myself from wheat too, and it was no cakewalk.

I found the best solution to getting past the carb-craving phase, is to make your meals super delicious and filled with lots of great veggies and wonderful flavors. If you do that and stick with it, you will break the carb addiction. After months of being on the Paleo diet, I don’t have the slightest desire to grab a bun. Well maybe Hugh Jackman’s, but that’s another story.

After being Paleo for awhile now, I think my palate has changed. Now I actually crave vegetables. The more the better! Case in point: When we made these turkey burgers, I had pre-made the avocado sauce and dipped a zucchini in it while I waited for my hubby to finish grilling the burgers. I loved it! I was so happy I almost wanted to just pig out on the zucchini and dip for dinner. But I knew these turkey burgers would be worth the wait. (By the way, I happen to love ground turkey – but if you prefer pasture-raised ground beef, you can easily adapt this recipe for a meatier meal.) [av_sidebar widget_area=’Lockerdome’ av_uid=’av-2r863d’]

We pile them high with whatever veggies we have in the fridge. We love peppers and mushrooms here, so those are always our veggies of choice for these juicy burgers. I’ve also included a special turkey burger seasoning mix and a spicy avocado topping, but if you don’t feel like fooling with those, just grab your favorite seasoning mix from the cupboard and slice some fresh avocados.

You’ve got to try these out. Skip the bun, and your body will thank you when it realizes bread doesn’t do anything except add bulk to your tummy, taking up space that’s better filled with healthier stuff. Enjoy!

Turkey Burgers & Veggies with Spicy Avocado Sauce

Turkey Burgers & Veggies with Spicy Avocado Sauce

Ingredients

    Burgers and Veggies:
  • 1.25 lb of ground turkey
  • Bell peppers, cut into thin strips - about 2 cups
  • 1 small onion - cut thin
  • 1 pkg mushrooms - optional
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • Lettuce - whatever kind you like
  • Serves 4 (with regular-size burger patties)
  • Spicy Avocado Sauce (optional, or just top with avocado slices)
  • 2 avocados – chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro – leaves only
  • 1 lemon – juice of
  • 1 lime – juice of
  • 2 - 4 tbs diced small shallots (optional, adds an onion flavor to the sauce)
  • Burger Seasoning (optional, or just use your favorite burger seasoning)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1-2 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp corriander
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric

Instructions

  1. Mix together burger seasoning ingredients - or use your favorite pre-made seasoning
  2. Make the spicy avocado sauce - or just top the burger with fresh avocado slices
  3. Place ground turkey in bowl, sprinkle in burger seasoning, and mix with hands
  4. Form 4 turkey patties
  5. Drizzle patties with olive oil and set aside
  6. Chop bell peppers and onion
  7. Sauté sliced mushrooms with a little olive oil
  8. Get someone on the grill cooking your burgers!
  9. Add bell peppers and onion and sauté with mushrooms. (I cooked the onions and mushrooms separate, but you could do them together. Typically mushrooms take longer, so if doing together start the mushrooms first, then add the peppers and onion.)
  10. Don't overcook - peppers and onions should still be a little firm
  11. Season sautéed veggies with salt and pepper
  12. For the avocado sauce, simply combine all the ingredients in a food processor, bullet or high-speed blender until creamy – add water to thin a little if necessary
  13. When the grilled burgers are done, place each pattie on a nice piece of lettuce with a thick tomato slice
  14. Top with avocado sauce and the sautéed peppers and mushrooms
  15. And that's a meal that's all kinds of wonderful!
https://www.paleonewbie.com/lose-the-buns-love-the-burgers/


 

Join the Conversation

  1. Anonymous says:

    Do you use all of the spice mix for the 1.25 pounds of turkey? It looks like a lot! Thanks!

    1. Yes. I sounds like a lot, but its not. You want to taste the spices! :)

  2. how do you make the sauce? No instructions?

    1. Sorry Bonnie…we left that line out. It’s corrected in the recipe now. But all you do is combine all the avocado sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix until creamy. Add a little water if it gets too thick.

  3. I also had some left over avocado sauce and topped my burger with it. This recipe is amazing! I will be using this as my turkey burger recipe from now on for myself and my non-paleo family. Thank you!!!

    1. I forgot to mention that for my avocado sauce, I was feeling lazy and blended a large avocado with a can of herdez salsa verde and I put that on EVERYTHING I can now!!

      1. Hi Laura…like your lazy way of doing the avocado sauce – going to have to try that myself! Thanks again for your comment!

    2. Hi Laura…thanks so much – glad you liked it!

  4. This looks like an awesome way to do it!! Thanks for the tip!!

    1. They’re awesome Allan! Let me know what you think! :)

  5. I am hungry. :-p

  6. Yep!! You will never miss the bun

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